Over the past 11 years, I have established a diverse
immunology research program.My lab
has investigated the effects of broad spectrum antibiotics and mucosal integrity
on oral tolerance, and in collaboration with my colleague, Dr. Susan McDowell,
we have examined the effects of simvastatin on immune responses following
primary and secondary infections with
Staphyloccocus aureus.

Currently, however, my lab is exploring aspects of herbal medicinal therapy and
investigating specific immunologic mechanisms that can support or refute the
effectiveness of these treatments.Presently, we are investigating the effect of extract from
L. japonica on B and T lymphocyte
functions.L. japonica is an herb commonly used
in Chinese medicine and is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and
anti-viral effects.While many investigations involving
L. japonica
have examined its effects on innate immune responses, such as inflammation,
little is known is about how it may alter adaptive immune responses involving B
and T cells.While my lab is currently investigating the effects of the
extract of
L. japonica on adaptive immune
functions, I have plans to expand our research to include additional herbs.

January 2004, Nebraska State Department of Health, “Ehrlichia
chaffeensis in Nebraska: Survey of deer for E. chaffeensis-reacting
antibodies and assaying of ticks for E. chaffeensis” Award amount:
$10,000 award, shared with Robert Pinger (Department of Physiology and Health
Science)

Opportunities and
Expectations in the Bruns Lab

My lab can accommodate 2-3 graduate students working
on research projects at any given time. Projects for thesis research
generally require more than 1 year, so please contact me as soon as possible
after beginning the Master’s of Biology program if you are interested in
doing your thesis research in my lab.

My lab can accommodate 2 undergraduate students working
on BIO 498 research projects at any given time. Credit for BIO 498 can be
for either 1, 2, or 3 credits for any one semester. Please keep in mind
that only 6 hours of BIO 498 can apply to graduation credits.

Attendance at weekly lab meetings (schedule determined
each semester) and the generation of a work product culminating from the
research project (paper, grant, presentation) upon completion are required.

If you are interested in working in my lab, please see
the following attachment about the
responsibilities of Bruns' lab members. If you are willing to accept these
responsibilities, please contact me about possible research opportunities.